In Her Shoes: Starting the Year on the Right Foot: A Podiatrist Turned Beauty & Jewelry Founder Dr. Corinne Gehegan

As we step into the new year, many of us gravitate toward familiar resolutions — eating better, working toward career goals, or focusing on personal and spiritual growth. But what about starting the year right from the bottom up by taking better care of our feet?

Our feet are our silent protectors and supporters. They walk and run with us every day, yet they’re often the most neglected part of our bodies — and I’m absolutely guilty of this too. That’s why I thought it was only fitting to start the year on the right foot (no pun intended!) by learning more about foot health.

I’m especially excited about this interview because, as a shoe designer, foot health is at the heart of my mission. Designing more comfortable shoes for women starts with truly understanding their feet — common issues, root causes, and practical ways we can better care for them so we can move through life feeling supported, confident, and comfortable every step of the way.

In this edition of In Her Shoes, I spoke with New Jersey–based podiatrist turned permanent jewelry and makeup artist Dr. Corinne Gehegan. Beyond her expertise in foot health, I was equally inspired by her entrepreneurial journey and what it means to be in her shoes — navigating a career pivot, embracing creativity, and redefining success on her own terms. I hope her story sheds light and encouragement for women who may be considering a career shift or exploring a new path this year.

Below, Dr. Corinne shares both her professional insights on foot health and her personal perspective on growth, change, and taking confident steps forward.

1) What inspired you to become a podiatrist, and what did you love most about your work?

During my final undergraduate year as a pre-med student at NYU, I was employed by Dr. Thomas Novella in Manhattan. Prior to this position, I was unaware of the field of podiatry. This opportunity afforded direct experience within the profession. After completing an additional four years of education, I embarked on a three-year residency program at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

What I enjoy most is the privilege of helping individuals across all age groups and backgrounds with something as intimate as a medical condition. I estimate that 20–25% of my practice included pediatric patients.

It is amazing to care for a patient who is working as an adult in a career and think back to when I met that person as a middle school student. I have learned an incredible amount from my patients simply through casual conversations.

2) What are the top three most common foot problems you see in women today?

The three most common foot problems are:

• Ankle sprains
• Plantar fasciitis, which manifests as heel pain
• Dermatologic conditions such as calluses, ingrown nails, and fungal infections
  

3) Are there certain foot issues you see more often in city dwellers or women who are on their feet all day?

I lived in New York City for 13 years, and I can attest to the fact that city living requires a significant degree of walking. Walking is undisputed as an effective means of exercise.

However, increased demands on the feet raise the likelihood of injury and overuse. Concrete sidewalks are unforgiving when it comes to impact.

4) What are the biggest mistakes women make when choosing shoes?

Who doesn’t love a fashionable pair of shoes? Shoes are an expression of ourselves and can be works of art.

The biggest and most obvious mistake is wearing a poorly fitting shoe — whether too tight or too loose. High heels impart their own set of issues, including instability, falls, sprains, and insidious conditions such as neuromas.

A less conspicuous mistake is wearing shoes that are too flexible and lack support. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and muscle strains are often linked to footwear that does not provide key structural elements.

5) What key features should women look for in an everyday shoe to support foot health?

One key indicator of support is the nature of the midsole and the presence of a shank — though these components are not visible.

A consumer needs to physically test the shoe to have an idea of what is going on inside.

Shoe anatomy is similar to human anatomy:

• The shank is like the spine. It is composed of stiff material usually within the midsole that runs along the arch of a shoe
• The midsole is like a muscle — it can be weak or robust
• The upper and outsole are visible, like skin
• Ideally, a shoe should bend where the toes bend. It is not wise to wear a shoe that can be folded in half at the arch, like a flip-flop.

The heel counter — the part that cradles the sides and back of the heel — should also be firm when squeezed.

6) How can women tell if a shoe truly fits properly (beyond just the size number)?

I advise purchasing shoes in the late afternoon or early evening. This is when our feet are most swollen even if subtly or not at all conspicuous. Because of this a pair of shoes might feel great in the morning and then tight in the evening.

When you look inside of a shoe you can see the insole. This is the part that the sole of your foot contacts. It is best if it is removable and not glued or stitched. One can simply remove the insole and place the foot on top. This is a great way to see if the foot is "spilling over" the insole. If it is then the shoe will likely be too tight. This method is perfect for children to determine the right size upon purchase and to be aware of when a child has outgrown the shoe.

I remember a patient encounter when her foot condition was certainly attributed to poorly fitting foot wear. The patient insisted otherwise. I x-rayed her foot bare and while her shoe was on for comparison. She couldn't believe how compressed her toes were inside of the shoe. 

If the insole is not removable, one can trace the shoe on a piece of paper and then place the foot on the tracing.

7) When should women see a podiatrist instead of trying to “walk it off” or self-treat?

Some conditions resolve on their own once the source is identified and eliminated. However, the following symptoms should be evaluated by a podiatrist:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Heat
• Instability
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain at rest

8) Can you share the story behind what motivated you to start your permanent makeup and jewelry brand? 

I say that I specialize in feet and faces!

As a board-certified podiatrist and aesthetic artist, I help active people move confidently and look polished with long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions. I specialize in sports-focused foot care, natural-looking sweat-proof permanent makeup, and everyday-wear welded custom jewelry.

Each service is designed for people who want results that feel effortless, elevated, and able to keep up with an active lifestyle. While these fields may seem unrelated, they are actually quite parallel — all are procedure-based, precision-driven, and deeply personal. They also satisfy my creative tendencies and allow me to work one-on-one with individuals.

9) Was there a defining moment when you knew it was time to make a career shift?

There were several catalysts that prompted the shift. I have two teenagers and as they grew older and became more independent, I found myself with a bit more time for myself.

I decided to sell my practice and dedicate time to learning new skills thereby fostering my entrepreneurial nature. The trend in medicine is such that all specialists are increasingly employed by hospitals and private equity firms due to the financial challenges of managing private practice overhead with the amount of insurance reimbursement.

The drawback is that as an employed doctor expectations are set to see a certain high volume of patients each day. Now that I have established the permanent makeup and the jewelry businesses, I am relaunching my podiatry career with a focus on sports injury management and prevention. It will be a niche private practice where I can spend as much time as I like with a patient.

My residency director used to say, "Doc, the foot is attached to a patient.". For me it is paramount to get to know a patient in order to determine the source of the problem, develop a custom solution that is feasible for that individual, and discuss means of preventing a recurrence. I want patients to describe a typical week in their lives so I can better serve them.

10) What was the biggest challenge transitioning from medicine to jewelry?

Medical school doesn’t teach you how to run a business — you learn by doing.

After 15 years in private practice, I was prepared to launch another business, but embracing social media was the biggest hurdle. Creating reels, using hashtags — none of this came naturally to me. It was conceived decades after I was born!

11) Tell us about your all-time favorite pair of shoes.

It's impossible to select one!

I have to say that running sneakers come to mind first - I run outdoors most days in all seasons, often along the Hudson River or Palisades Interstate Park. I've worn Mizuno exclusively for over 10 years.

 

12) Describe your shoe style in three words.

Fashionable. Functional. Unpredictable.

13) What does “being in her shoes” mean to you?

"Being in her shoes" means empathy.

Life is amazing, tragic and unpredictable. Thoughts, communication, and action are shaped by lived and current circumstances. I think we should always bear that in mind that we may not know what someone else is going through. This is true regarding family and friends.

Some people share and some people conceal. In one case, you may NOT know what "being in her shoes" is like, so it may be best to refrain from judgment. However, if you do know, it may be channeled into productive discussions, support and mentorship.

14) What’s the best piece of life advice you’d give to other women?

You are not alone. Seek out relationships with others who can impart wisdom and support even if they are in seemingly unrelated industries.

Taking chances in the face of unpredictability is essential in life, but keep in mind that there is a difference between calculated risk and recklessness. One of my favorite pieces of advice comes from General McRaven during his commencement speech at UT in 2014. I read it to my children at least once a year.

"If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride. It will encourage you to do another task. And another. And another.

By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made. That you made. 

And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better."

15) Where can women buy your beautiful jewelry or book an appointment for permanent makeup?

Website: https://micromagik.com/

Website: https://drgehegan.com/

You can also follow her Instagram account at @micromagikgehegan

Photo credits: All photos featured in this blog are courtesy of Dr. Corinne Gehegan.

Please note: Responses have been slightly abbreviated or rephrased for clarity and flow, while staying true to the original interview responses.